By Neeraj Kumar, Chief Technology and Product Officer, Lighthouse Learning
Technology is reshaping the world and the education industry is also feeling the impact of these changes. One can argue that tech tools make learning accessible and engaging with multiple platforms using elements of artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and data analytics to transform the teaching and learning experience. These tools are innovating and changing how education is imparted and setting the stage to prepare students for the future. We must dig deep and go beyond the surface to understand more.
AI-enabled personalised learning
One of the big changes AI is bringing is offering personalised learning solutions. Traditional one-size-fits-all teaching methods do not fulfil the academic needs of most students. AI-based platforms can shift through student data and offer lessons according to individual learning styles. As a McKinsey study points out, this can increase student engagement by 20% and improve learning outcomes by 10%. Platforms like DreamBox and Knewton adapt in real-time and are helping students grasp concepts more effectively.
A boost to immersive learning
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) is in the nascent stages of development in the educational space, but it is bound to enhance student interaction with educational materials. They offer immersive experiences. It makes the subjects more lively and complex concepts simpler. A World Economic Forum report says using VR tools can improve learning retention by 75%, as students can remember well what they experience virtually. Platforms like Google Expeditions and zSpace create more interactive learning environments, making learning more visual and hands-on.
A call for better collaboration and communication
In an increasingly connected world, collaboration is crucial, and tech tools are making it easier, with Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack aiding students to collaborate in real-time. This could improve student participation and enhance their problem-solving ability. These platforms support global connections and allow students to work with peers from different cultures, preparing students for working with a global workforce. Through a study done by Brookings Institution it was revealed that digital collaboration tools can increase student participation by 35% and enhance problem-solving skills by 20%.
Offering a tech boost to teachers with technology
Technology also helps teachers by streamlining mundane administrative tasks, helping in sharper lesson planning, and offering more avenues to assess students. Tools like Edmodo and ClassDojo can aid teachers in managing classrooms, tracking students’ progress and having a healthy communication channel with parents. The elimination of redundant day-to-day tasks helped teachers prepare more for academics. A survey by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation found that 93% of surveyed teachers use digital tools and felt it improved their teaching skills, while online platforms aided in professional development and upskilling.
Sharper decision-making
Tech tools can generate data and make it available for analysis daily. It offers durable information on student performance, attendance, and engagement and provides key insights to teachers who can tweak their teaching strategies accordingly. One could find out the key issues bothering the students, address them and make for an informative session. With quality education becoming increasingly accessible and geography agnostic, it will be helpful for students living in remote areas, where the educational centre can reach the student in time and democratise access.
Prepping students for a tech-driven world
The world and the job market is changing. It means students must know the skills required in a tech-driven world. Integrating emerging tech tools, their use cases and applications into the broader curriculum improves the learning experience and prepares students for careers in fields that are just being created. One should think skills like basic coding, digital literacy, critical thinking, and the ability to be a problem-solver will be important for students to learn and imbibe. Schools should impart lessons on the importance of data security and privacy and help set the stage for a young community that is aware of and able to deal with cyber threats across the spectrum.
New-age tech tools will change education in many ways and offer a lot of scope for change and innovation. Students and teachers are at the cusp of a change in how education is imparted and must adapt quickly to these changes to be ahead of the wheel and future-ready.
